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For the second week in a row the Western Sydney Wanderers have let two points slip after once again giving up what looked like a comfortable lead against an improved and gutsy Central Coast Mariners at Spotless Stadium.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Western Sydney Wanderers 1
Central Coast Mariners 1
Western Sydney Wanderers will be looking to erase the disappointment of blowing a late 2-0 lead last week when they host the struggling Central Coast Mariners at Spotless Stadium on Saturday night. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 7:50pm (AEDT).
The Wanderers blew two crucial points when they conceded two goals in the last ten minutes against the Newcastle Jets.
Goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne was at the centre of the late drama and his two errors cost his team dearly. His poor judgement at a set piece cost his team the first goal and then poor handling resulted in the ball squeezing past him into the net for the equaliser again from a set piece.
Coach Tony Popovic would have been concerned with his team’s defence which at times look disorganised and used several times used the ball poorly. With three of the back four new to the team, it just may mean some patience is needed while the players learn to gel as a unit.
They may get that opportunity against the Mariners who have had plenty of possession last week against the Brisbane Roar under Paul Okon’s new system, but they struggled miserably up forward with barely a shot on target.
Still Okon would have been encouraged that his team showed greater fight after a 4-0 hammering at the hands of Sydney FC the week before, although the Roar did blow several chances.
Prediction
While Popovic would be worried about his defence, he must be very happy with his attack that has shown itself to be fluent and inventive. Captain Dumas was terrific last week in the middle, controlling the game with his deft passing and movement. He was ably supported by one of the recruits of the season in Japanese midfielder Jumpei Kusukami who has been superb in space this season.
While the Wanderers look too accomplished for the Mariners, the Mariners will be hoping they can a glimpse of their three-goal second half in the opening game of the season against Perth Glory. Okon will be hoping to create more chances from their possessions and try to exploit the Wanderers’ defence on the counter using the speed of Connor Pain and Trent Buhagiar.
Wanderers 3-1
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